But Nenshi, who attended a citizenship ceremony this morning, stayed away from those words, saying he was disappointed the issue has become such a “flashpoint” in the current campaign.

He is urging Canadians to vote for the Canada they want, but shied away from any criticism of the Conservative government.

Nenshi said human rights are fundamentally urban issues and immigrants primarily move to cities with the hope of living a better life.

The issue of religious accommodation and specifically banning the wearing of face coverings during citizenship ceremonies has become one of the campaign’s most contentious issues, particularly in seat-rich Quebec.

The City of Calgary also released its “Cities Matter” report Thursday, which asks the major federal parties about how cities matter to them. The 2015 report, published online, highlights responses from the Greens, Liberals and NDP on issues including the economy, funding public transit, infrastructure and affordable housing.

A statement from the city said it expects to receive responses from the Conservative Party “very soon” which will also be posted.